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Seizures
are episodes of disorganized electrical activity in the brain
resulting in loss of consciousness and involuntary jerking of limbs
with frothing in the mouth, tongue biting and urinary
incontinence. The so-called 'minor ones' may have just abnormal
behavior or sensations with no convulsions or unconsciousness.
The
tendency to have recurrent seizures is called epilepsy.
During an
attack the patient should be put on his side so that the froth does
not go into his lungs. Some hard object in the mouth will prevent
tongue biting. Convulsing limbs should not be restrained. Repeated or
persistent attacks need hospitalization. Any disturbance in the brain,
be it injury, tumor, stroke, infection or even a post operative scar
may produce seizure.
In these
days of CT & MRI scans, everyone with seizure should be
investigated. Effective medications are available. In selected cases
where medication does not provide adequate control, surgery may help.
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